The first phase of the two-part estate auction of the late Steve and Cecelia Orcutt has been met with strong interest and impactful results.
Conducted online by Daniels Auction Service and overseen by Community National Bank of Iola, the auction featured items accumulated by the Iola educators over decades and ranged from furniture and household goods to art, collectibles, gold and silver coins and jewelry. Proceeds from the auction are designated to benefit Children’s Mercy.
According to Jim Gilpin of Community National, the initial auction exceeded expectations, attracting more than 200 bidders.
“It was well received,” he said.
Interest was high throughout the online bidding process, which closed Thursday evening.
FINANCIALLY, the results were significant, Gilpin said, bringing in an estimated $50,000. “Of course, there’s commissions and expenses that come out of that,” he said.
Auctioneer Ross Daniels said preparations are now underway for the second phase of the estate sale. “We are scheduled to start moving items into Jefferson Elementary School next week and begin sorting through them,” Daniels said. “The school will serve as our staging area again for this second auction.”
Daniels noted that the next auction is tentatively planned for the beginning of March and will feature items that were not included in the first sale as well as coins and jewelry.
QUESTIONS have been raised about whether funds donated to Children’s Mercy will benefit local families.
“My understanding is that Children’s Mercy serves a lot of children from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri,” Gilpin said. “We also found out that Children’s Mercy keeps track of where donations come from and makes sure to use those funds for kids who come from that area.”
The cause aligns with the Orcutts’ lifelong commitment to education and young people.
Steve Orcutt, who passed away in October 2025, spent most of his career as an art teacher, educating generations of elementary students. Cecelia Orcutt, who passed away in May 2025, taught art for four decades at Iola High School, where her program became widely respected.
“They spent their lives teaching in Iola and had an impact on so many kids’ lives,” Gilpin said. “I think assisting kids and their families in this way is a great way to continue having an impact.”
